Towards realizing free-electron lasing with the BELLA Center laser-plasma accelerator

One of the promising applications of laser-plasma accelerators (LPAs) is the ability to produce electron beams of sufficient brightness to drive a free-electron laser (FEL). The BELLA Center has coupled a dedicated 100-TW-class laser system to a down-ramp-injector LPA, advanced electron beam transport line, and strong-focusing undulator, making advances towards an LPA-driven FEL. In this contribution we will present an update on observations on advanced transport concepts for the laser and electron beam, including active stabilization feedback on the high-power laser system, optimization of the LPA source, correlation studies on the laser-plasma accelerator produced electron beams, all in the context of control and transport of the electron beam to the undulator to drive FEL lasing.